High School Group Aims to Help Those in Need

A new organization at is working to help those in need.

The organization called Go Beyond Barrington has dedicated its first project to helping in the reconstruction efforts of Joplin High School after a devastating tornado destroyed much of the Missouri town in the spring.

“We started Go Beyond Barrington because we were really inspired by the story of Joplin High School after the tornado,” Barrington High School student and Go Beyond Barrington founder Jake Herb said. “We wanted to find a way to help, and we found out that the industrial technology program wasn’t going to be funded in the reconstruction, so we decided to take action.”

The week of Oct. 1, the group will host fundraising events in an effort to raise $15,000 for the school’s industrial technology program. The program isn’t being funded in the reconstruction of the high school, which sustained $151 million in damage from the tornado.

Administrators at Joplin High School are thrilled by Go Beyond Barrington’s efforts to help rebuild their school.

“We are humbled by the generosity of these Barrington High School students,” Joplin High School Principal Dr. Kerry Sachetta said. “The industrial technology program is a way to give students interest in rebuilding their own community, and we are thrilled they want to help."

Go Beyond Barrington Week will kick off with the Go Beyond Carnival from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The event will take place at the front of Barrington High School with games, food, live music and even a giant Twister game. Entry to the carnival is free. Funds will be raised through game tickets.

The second event of the week, called “Jammin’ for Joplin,” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Barrington High School auditorium. The event will feature Barrington’s best performers and entertainers including Flounder Gus, Pat McKillen, and the Barrington High School choral groups. Tickets for this event are $5 in advance or $10 at the door.

Go Beyond Barrington already has received funding from , and . To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, head to www.gobeyondbarrington.org or call 1-630-715-4656.